Deakin’s robotics research centre to collaborate with General Dynamics IT

Deakin University’s Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR) will collaborate with US-based systems integration company General Dynamics Information Technology to help improve its advanced robotics and simulation capabilities.

The collaborative framework is centered on future research and development collaborations that will take advantage of CISR's expertise in haptic (force feedback) technology and General Dynamics IT’s specialty in rapid graphical training environments, providing capacity for rapid immersive training scenarios in the Defence, Healthcare and Commercial sectors.

Deakin University Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Lee Astheimer and General Dynamics IT Senior Vice President of the Defense Solutions Division Al Whitmore signed the collaborative framework agreement at a ceremony in Fairfax, Virginia.

“From Deakin’s perspective, General Dynamics IT, which is a business unit of General Dynamics, is a perfect fit for expanding our capabilities in advanced robotics and simulation into an international market,” Professor Astheimer said.

“We look forward to working with General Dynamics IT to engage new industries and communities where our research can have impact and make a difference.”

CISR Director Professor Saeid Nahavandi said joint projects would begin with the Haptically-Enabled Hot Fire Trainer program, which was developed for use for the United States and Australian Defence Departments, nuclear industry and fire fighters.

The program enables trainees to experience realistic training scenarios in a safe synthetic environment.  

"The Hot Fire Trainer can accurately present heat, jet reaction and step-up forces along with sound and visuals to immerse a trainee in a real house, car, boat or aircraft fire,” Professor Nahavandi said.

About Deakin University’s Centre for Intelligent Systems Research

The Centre for Intelligent Systems Research (CISR) at Deakin University investigates and develops state-of-the-art algorithms and methodologies that provide practical solutions to real world problems that are encountered by systems operating with uncertainty, variability and change. This practical approach is complemented by research on next generation robotic control systems and force emulation methodologies that improve process reliability, product quality and operator safety in complex environments. CISR is home to more than 60 researchers.